Robert Knowles

Mr. Robert Paul "Bobby" Knowles, BMCM, Retired, age 72 of DeFuniak Springs passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at his home. He was born May 13, 1939 in Buffalo, New York, the son of Harford and Gertrude Plass Knowles. Upon graduation from high school, Bobby joined the United States Navy, serving his country as a Navy Seal during the Viet Nam Crisis. After twenty years of service he retired from the Navy and moved to Pensacola where he became a commercial painting contractor for some twenty years until ill health forced his second retirement. He and his wife Velinda, a person who shared his life for some nineteen years moved to DeFuniak Springs where Bobby was able to enjoy golfing, watching the New York Yankees, and spending time with Logan and Patches, his dog and his cat which both preceded him in death. He is also predeceased by his brothers, James, Ronald and Bryant.

Among survivors are his wife, Velinda Knowles. His sons, Robert Knowles, Jr. and Rodney Turner and wife Julie. His brothers, Harford and Jack and his sisters, Harriett Wilson and husband Don and Shirley Pickard. His brother-in-law Ron Childers and wife Missy. Special nieces, Amy and LeeAnn. Grandsons, A.J., Ashton and Gabriel. Grandchildren, Brittney, Noah and Skylar. His sisters-in-law, Joan and Wilma and numerous friends and extended family from all over the county.

Memorials may be made in Bobby Knowles memory to Hospice of the Emerald Coast or to the humane society. A celebration of Bobby's life will be held Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at Amvets Post #178 on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs.